Emirates: history and founding
How Emirates started in Dubai and grew into one of the world's largest international airlines.
Public information: Emirates was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It began operations with leased aircraft and grew alongside Dubai's development as a global travel and trade hub.
Public information: Emirates operates from Dubai International Airport (DXB) as its hub, connecting six continents on long-haul routes, and is part of The Emirates Group.
General aviation knowledge: many major international airlines built their long-haul networks around a single strong hub airport — this 'hub-and-spoke' model lets an airline offer many connections through one central point.
Key points
- Emirates was founded in 1985 in Dubai, UAE.
- Dubai International Airport (DXB) is its main hub.
- It grew alongside Dubai's rise as a global travel hub.
- Emirates is part of The Emirates Group.
Vocabulary
- Hub airport
- A central airport an airline uses to connect many onward destinations.
- The Emirates Group
- The parent group that includes Emirates airline and related aviation businesses.
Remember this
Public information · always check emirates.com or emiratesgroupcareers.com for the latest official details.
Mini quiz
In which year was Emirates founded?
Sources
- About Emirates — Emirates
Last verified: 2026-09-28